The hybrid’s battery pack takes up part of the trunk space, but at 13.1 cubic feet there is still functional luggage room and the space is 2.1 cu. ft larger than the last model.

Midsize mileage machine

There’s nothing all that sophisticated about the Toyota Camry Hybrid, except how it easily doles out 36, 37, 38 mpg around town and 41-plus on the highway.

While the standard Camry is available in six trim levels, including a very base L and sporty S, the Hybrid is sold in well-equipped LE and XLE. Hybrid starting prices range from $26,750, including the $760 freight charge from Georgetown, Ky., to $28,160. The LE tester was $26,975, which included floor mats and trunk mat for $225. And the price includes two years or 25,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance. Hybrid components are under warranty for eight years or 100,000 miles.

The Camry’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system puts an electric motor with a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission. New this year is a more efficient 156-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which replaces a 2.4-liter. The hybrid system pulls power from the gasoline engine and a small but high-torque electric motor. The system produces a combined 200 horsepower and varies power between the gas engine and electric motor, or combines both, as needed.

It is a slick and seamless process, which has been enhanced with two new features: Eco mode and EV mode.

Eco mode blunts throttle response and optimizes air conditioning to prioritize maximum fuel economy. I did all city driving in Eco mode to help maintain the mileage gains established from highway cruising.

EV mode allows the car to be driven on the electric motor alone for up to 1.6 miles at lower speeds (below 25 mph). That can be handy when moving cars around in the driveway or making a donut run on Sunday morning. But no doubt it could be higher with a more energy-dense (but pricier) lithium-ion battery.